Civil law deals with a broad range of subjects other than criminal matters and provides for a wide variety of functions including the opportunity to work with private lawyers and public officials.

A demonstrated interest in public issues and completion of related internships are helpful.

Area:

Education

Sub-Area:

Teaching

Student Affairs (Law Schools and General Schools)

Higher Education Administration

Pre-Law Advising

Law Librarianship

General Counsel

Employers:

Law schools including departments of:

Career Services

Admissions

Student Services

Law libraries

Business schools

Undergraduate departments of History and Political

Science

Paralegal schools

Universities and colleges including:

Judicial Affairs Office

Dean of Students

Human Resources

Strategies & Information:

For teaching: Obtain several years of experience in private practice or government agency. The LLM degree and an outstanding academic record are required for law school teaching. Teaching allows for more flexibility of time and Some lawyers teach on an adjunct basis.

For administration and student affairs, consider earning a master's degree in College Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or related area. As an undergraduate, participate on campus in leadership roles. In law school, secure a graduate assistantship in an office of interest, such as judicial affairs.

For librarianships, a master's in library or information science, in addition to the law degree, is often required.

Area:

Patent, Copyright, Intellectual Property Law

Sub-Area:

Employers:

Law firms (specialized)

Corporations

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Strategies & Information:

This highly specialized area usually requires technical, science, or engineering degrees at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Strategies & Information:

Demonstrate an interest in politics through your undergraduate major, active campaigning, or research papers/articles.

Obtain full-time law firm experience as a stepping stone into field.

Acquire superior writing skills.

Develop a pleasing personality, enthusiasm, and high energy level. Demonstrate a service-oriented attitude.

Show ability to work with people and good communication and organizational skills.

Learn to enlist the help of others.

Consider earning a Master's of Public Administration.

General Information and Strategies

Students interested in attending law school may choose any major of interest. Some undergraduate majors can help prepare students for a particular area of law, e.g., a B.S. in environmental science for a career in environmental law.

Completing the law degree, Juris Doctor or JD, typically takes three years of full-time coursework. After completion, one must pass a state bar examine in order to practice law.

Many specialities exist in the practice of law such as real estate, entertainment law, tax law, education law, sport law. New specialities are always emerging. Consider your interests and skills when choosing an area of practice.